Thomas Martin Hutson, Jr.

Thomas M. Hutson, Jr., age 90, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 15, 2013 at Raulerson Hospital in Okeechobee FL.  He had been a resident of Okeechobee for the past four years.

Mr. Hutson was born May 7, 1923 in Savannah GA to Thomas Martin and Lollie Nathine Kicklighter Hutson.  He graduated from Savannah High School in 1942 and enlisted in the U. S. Merchant Marine where he experienced many tense moments on ships supplying the war effort.  After the surrender of Japan he was drafted into the Army and served in Alaska providing supplies to occupation troops in Japan.  At the conclusion of his service he began a 40 year career with the Seaboard Air Line Railroad which eventually became CSX Transportation. He began his railroad career in Savannah GA, then worked several years in Tallahassee FL and finished his career in Jacksonville FL.  His final years of work were spent as a passenger conductor for Amtrak between Jacksonville FL and either Savannah GA or Columbia SC.  After retirement he enjoyed several years as a Master Gardener, as a volunteer with a local AARP chapter, as a volunteer income tax preparer and as “Hurry Along” the clown with a clown troupe that entertained children and seniors.  He was a Mason for over 50 years.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Margaret, and his wife of 64 years, Rebecca Pauline Davis, whom he married in 1946.  He is survived by his daughter, Pamela Newcomer of Okeechobee FL, his sons and daughters-in-law Michael and Amy Hutson of Tallahassee FL and Kenneth and Pok Sun Hutson of Niceville FL, his grandchildren Rebecca (Clint) Ledferd, Gerald Newcomer, Jr., Angela Hutson, Daniel Hutson, John Lakin and Jim Lakin and his great-granddaughter Kinley Ledferd.  He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, September 28, 2013 at Providence Baptist Church Cemetery outside Reidsville GA.  In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to Providence Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, 982 Providence Church Rd, Lyons GA 30436.

Bradley Anderson Funeral Home in Reidsville GA are handling arrangements for the Hutson Family.